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The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw

Linbury Theatre
Opera and music

Fear. Guilt. Innocence corrupted.

See casts, dates and prices
A mysterious and eerie image featuring the blurred silhouette of a person pressing their hands against a translucent surface. The figure appears to be reaching out or trapped, with their shadowy form creating a sense of tension and unease. The blue-toned lighting enhances the ghostly, dreamlike atmosphere, evoking themes of isolation or the supernatural. The image represents the children in Natalie Abrahami’s production of The Turn of the Screw.
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Benjamin Britten’s chilling opera on the corrupt depths of the human psyche comes to life in an atmospheric new staging. 

Running time
The performance lasts approximately 2 hours 10 minutes, including one interval
Guidance
More information available soon
Language
Sung in English with surtitles, which are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.
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Generous philanthropic support from 

Nicholas and Suzanne Peters and The Britten Production Syndicate 

Story

On an isolated estate, a young governess is tasked with caring for two children, with strict instruction not to contact their guardian. But as the children’s behaviour becomes increasingly unsettling, the governess finds herself alone, and dangerously out of her depth.

Background

Britten's chilling The Turn of the Screw comes to life in an atmospheric new staging created by Natalie Abrahami and Michael Levine. Bassem Akiki conducts the gripping and suspenseful score, whose fragmented themes reflect the Governess' growing disquiet, as she comes to uncover more about the children's behaviour – and what is prompting it. Claustrophobic, psychologically disturbing and even uncomfortably voyeuristic, this new production follows Billy Budd, Death in Venice and Peter Grimes in the cycle of Britten works from The Royal Opera.

To find exclusive Britten DVDs, souvenirs and gifts: explore the Britten collection at the Royal Ballet and Opera Shop.

Cast and Creatives

Cast
The cast of this production may vary depending on performance date. Go to cast and dates to see these.
See cast and dates
Creatives
Music

Benjamin Britten

Libretto

Myfanwy Piper

Created by

Natalie Abrahami and Michael Levine

Director

Natalie Abrahami

Costume designer

Hannah Clark

Lighting designer

Guy Hoare

Video Designer

Duncan McLean

Movement Director

Anna Morrissey

Set Designer

Michael Levine

Access

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